Gas burner



127 1936' G. w. M'GKEE GAS BURNER Filed my 25, 1952 2 Sheets-sheet -2 Patented May 12, 1936 vNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to gas burners. More particularly, the invention rela-tes to that type of gas burner which is designed primarily to convert a coal or coke burning, hot air furnace or round boiler to the use of gas, and comprises (1) an elongated chassis which is adapted to extend through the ash pit opening of the furnace or boiler; (2) a-n elbow which is located at the inner end of the chassis and is positioned so that one end thereof extends upwardly and its other end extends towards the outer end of the chassis; (3) a hollow burner head which embodies a plurality of discharge ports and is connected to the upwardly extending end of the elbow by a depending pipe; (4) a tube which extends longitudinally through the chassis, is connected to the other end of the elbow and serves to supply a mixture of gas and air to the burner via the elbow and pipe; and (5) radiant baffles which extend upwardly and outwardly from the burner head and after lighting of the burner, become incandescent and radiate heat to the side walls of the re box or combustion chamber of the furnace or boiler.

In burners of this type, it has heretofore been customary to support the radiant baiiles by leaning them against the side walls of the fire box or combustion chamber. In practice, it has been found that this system or manner of supporting the baiies is objectionable and faulty, first, because breakage from expansion is likely to occur when the baffles happen to bind at the points or places where they touch the walls of the fire box or combustion chamber; second, because it does not permit of a close and accurate assembly of the bales with the result that there is generally leakage of flue gases between the baffles; and third, because, due to the variance of the angle at which the baiiles are lsupported with respect to the flames emanating from the discharge ports, maximum radiating effect and .efficiency cannot be obtained.

One object of the present invention is to provide a gas burner which is an improvement upon and eliminates the objectionable features of previously designed burners of the leaning baille type, by reason of the fact that it embodies simple and novel means for supporting the baffles from the head so that they are held at a iixed angle with respect to the llame and do not contact with, or bind against, the side walls of the re box or combustion chamber.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas burner of the type under consideration in which the means for supporting the baiiies from the burner head consists of brackets which are connected removably tothe head, extend upwardly and outwardly and embody at the upper ends thereof laterally extending fingers for engaging the under faces of the baflies and support- 5 ing the baffles so that they are free to expand and contract in response to temperature changes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a gas burner which is generally of new and improved construction, may be manufactured at a 1c low and reasonable cost, is extremely efficient in operation and is an improvement upon that shown in United States Letters Patent No. 1,937,974 granted to me December 5, 1933.

Other objects of the invention and the various 15 advantages and characteristics of the present burner construction will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly denedby claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or `disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corre- 25 spending parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a View, partly in section and partly in side elevation, of a hot air furnace to which is applied a gas burner embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a Vertical longitudinal section of 30 the burner;

Figure 3 is a plan View illustrating inv detail the manner in which the radiant baiiies are supported from the burner head by the brackets;

Figure 4 is an enlarged section of the burner 35 head;

Figure 5 is a perspective of one of the'radiant baffles; and

Figure 6 is a perspective of one of the brackets for supporting the ballles. 40

The gas burner which forms the subject matter of the invention is adapted for use in connection with any type or form of heating apparatus and has particular utility in connection with converting a coal or coke burning, hot air furnace 45 or boiler to the use of gas. It is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings with a hot air furnace F. The latter is of conventional design and embodies a fire box B, a fire door D and an ash pit opening P. The burner is adapted, as hereinafter described, 50 tobe installed in the furnace after removal of the usual grating, and comprises an elongated chassis I0, an elbow Il, a burner head I2 and an injecting tube I3.

The chassis consists of a pair of superposedl55 steel channels I4 and I5 and extends through the opening with which the ash pit door is associated. The channel I5 is positioned beneath the channel I4 and is welded or otherwise secured to the latter so that the `chassis is of a unitary character. The inner end of the channel I4 terminates inwardly of the inner end of the channel I5 so that the back part of the chassis is open, as shown in Figure 1.

The elbow II is fixedly attached to the. inner end of the steel channel I5 by means of a bolt I6 and is arranged so that one end thereof extends towards the outer end of the chassis and its other end extends upwardly. The end which extends upwardly is drilled or otherwise formed so that it embodies a downwardly tapered socket I'I.

'Ihe injecting tube I3 extends longitudinally through the chassis and is connected to the end of the elbow Which extends towards the outer end of the chassis. It is of the type and character exhibited in my aforesaid Patent No. 1,937,974, and serves to supply a mixture of gas and air to the elbow for passage to the burner head. For a more complete and detailed description of the injecting tube and the manner in which the burner is automatically controlled, reference may be had to the aforesaid application.

The burner head I2 is located within the fire box B of the furnace F and is disposed directly over the elbow II. It is supported from the elbow by way of a vertically extending pipe I8 and consists of a hollow casting I9 and a top plate 20. The casting I9 is in the form of a wheel and comprises a hub 2 I an annular rim 22 and spoke-like connecting parts 23 between the hub and the rim. The hub 2I embodies an integral depending, collar-like part 24 which ts around the upper end of the pipe I8. The por tion of the hub directly above the collar-like part V24 embodies a circular opening 25 and is shaped to form an annular shoulder 26. The latter, as shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, rests upon the upper end of the pipe and forms with the collarlike part a socket joint whereby the burner head I2 is supported so that it is free to rotate on a vertical axis. The collar-like part 24 is machined internally so as to t accurately around the upper end of the. pipe and prevent a leakage. The lower end of the pipe I8 is provided with a conical fitting 2'I. The latter is attached to the pipe by a screw thread connection 28 and embodies a polygonal flange 29 whereby it may be rotated by a wrench or similar turning tool into connected relation with the pipe. In addition to the ange 29, the fitting 2l embodies a depending part 30. The latter ts within and is tapered conformably to the socket II in the elbow II and forms what may be termed a drop connection between the pipe I8 and the elbow. The mixture of gas and air is supplied from the injecting tube I3 to the rim of the burner casting I9 via the tting 30, the pipe I8, the circular opening 25 and the spoke-like connecting parts 23. The rim 22 embodies an inclined wall 22a at the upper part thereof and is provided with an annular series of machined port nipples 3l. These nipples extend upwardly and outwardly at an angle of approximately 60 and are screwed or otherwise connected to the inclined wall 224. When the burner is in operation, the mixture of gas and air flows upwardly and outwardly through the nipples 3I. Upon discharge from the nipples, the mixture receives additional air and combustion takes place.

The top plate 240 is circular and rests upon the top face of the burner casting I9. It is secured in place by means of a bolt 32 and embodies at the marginal part thereof an annular, upwardly extending bead 33. The bolt 32 extends through a hole 34 in the center of the top plate and into a tapered hole 35 in the top of the hub 2I of the casting I9.

In order to radiate or reilect the heat to the side walls of the re box of the furnace, wedgeshaped baffles 3S are provided. These baiiies are formed of refractory, ceramic material and are arranged in an annular series around the bead of the top plate of the burner. They extend upwardly and outwardly at approximately an angle of 60 and are supported from the burner head by means of elongated brackets 3l. The latter are formed of heat-resisting alloy and extend upwardly and outwardly from the top plate 29. The lower ends of the brackets 3'I embody cylindrical connecting parts 38 which rest on the top face of the top plate 20 and have vertically extending bores 39 for attaching studs 4U. The latter are arranged in an annular series on the top of the top plate 2B and are formed integrally therewith. In assembling the burner head, the cylindrical connecting parts 38 are slipped over the studs 4I). To prevent rotation relatively to to the studs, the brackets 31 are provided at the lower ends thereof with outwardly extending lugs 4I. These lugs rit within notches 42 in the bead 33 on the margin of the top plate of the burner head. The upper ends of the brackets extend downwardly and outwardly, fit between the sides of the bailies and embody pairs of laterally extending ngers 43. These fingers underlie the bales and fit within notches 44 in the sides of the baiiies. The notches, as shown in the drawings, are elongated lengthwise of the bales so that the baffles are free to expand and contract relatively to the brackets. By supporting the baiiies by the brackets 31 and in the manner set forth, instead of leaning them against the side walls of the re box of the furnace as had previously been done, breakage due to binding is eliminated and maximum efficiency is obtained by reason of the fact that the angle at which the baffles are disposed with respect to the flame is fixed. The portions of the bead 33 between the notches 42 are cut away and bevelled as at 45 (see Figure 3), and receive the bottom edges of the baffles. The side edges of the baflies are arranged in abutting relation and are associated with rods 46. The latter are formed of heat-resisting alloy and serve to seal tightly the spaces between the baiiles. The side margins of the baiiles are angled, as shown in Figure 3, in order to form V-shaped recesses between the baiiles for accommodating the alloy rods 46. In assembling the baffles, the rods 46 are inserted into the spaces between the baiiies and are released so that they drop downwardly into a position wherein the lower ends thereof rest upon the top plate 20 and the upper ends thereof are disposed between the laterally extending ngers 43. The portions of the side edges of the bailies adjacent to the notches 44 are recessed so as to accommodate the downwardly and outwardly extending upper end parts of the brackets. A characteristic and advantage of supporting the burner head so that it is rotatable on the pipe I8 is that the baiiies may be brought successively into range of the re door of the furnace for repair purposes.

The burner is ignited by means of a pilot 41. The latter consists of a pipe which is connected to the gas supply conduit for the burner and extends through the chassis I0 to a point adjacent the burner head I2. I'he portion of the pilot pipe 41 which is adjacent the burner head extends vertically as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and embodies a burner tip 48. 'Ihe latter is located directly opposite the port nipples 3l and serves to ignite the burner when gas is allowed to flow to the burner head via the injecting tube I3, the elbow II and the vertically extending pipe I8. By virtue of the fact that the burner head I2 is rotatably supported on the upper end of the pipe I8, different port nipples may be brought into range of the pilot light by rotating the head. As a result of this arrangement, it is possible in the event certain of the port nipples become clogged, t0 insure lighting or ignition of the burner by bringing free or unobstructed port nipples into range of the pilot light.

In assembling the burner, the chassis I0 with the elbow and injecting tube applied thereto, is slid into place through the ash pit opening. Thereafter, the pipe I8 is inserted into the fire box and is connected to the elbow by dropping the depending part 30 of the fitting 2`I into the tapered socket II in the elbow. After connection of the pipe to the elbow, the burner head I2 is inserted into the re box of the furnace and is mounted on the pipe I8 by sliding downwardly the depending collar-like part 24 of the hub of the burner casting I9 over the upper end of the pipe. In order t0 complete the assembly of the burner, the brackets 3'I are mounted on the top plate of the burner head by sliding the cylindrical connecting parts 38 over the vertically extending studs 43. In mounting the brackets in place, the head is rotated so as to bring the studs successively into range of the fire door. After mounting of the brackets, the bailies 36 are dropped into place. In performing this operation, the head is rotated so as to bring the brackets successively into range of the fire door and thus facilitate mounting of the baffles on the brackets.

'Ihe herein described burner consists of but a small number of parts and may be manufactured at a low and reasonable cost by virtue of the fact that the various parts are so constructed that they permit rapid precision machining. By virtue of the fact that the burner head is connected to the vertically extending supporting pipe I8 by a socket joint and is freely rotatable, installation of the brackets 31 and the baiiles 35 is greatly facilitated. Connection of the pipe I8 to the elbow I I is facilitated by reason of the specific type and character of the joint between the fitting 2I and the elbow. Because the burner head can be rotated, inspection of the head can easily be made by way of the fire door. By supporting the baffles from the burner head, maximum eciency of the burner is obtained, as previously 4pointed out, and breakage of the baffles is reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, inspection of the bailles may be readily had simply by rotating the head in order to bring the baffles successively into range of the re door of the furnace.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a gas burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided with an annular series of discharge ports in the marginal part thereof, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, radiant bailles resting on the head inwardly of the ports and positioned in an annular series and so that they extend upwardly and outwardly, and bracket-means for supporting the bailles in a fixed position mounted on the burner head and applied to the upper ends of the baiiles.

2. In a gas burner of the character described,

the combination of a hollow burner head provided with a series of discharge ports, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air tothe head for discharge via the ports, radiant bailles extending upwardly and outwardly from the burner head, and means for supporting the baffles in a xed position comprising upwardly and outwardly extending brackets mounted on the head and provided at the upper ends thereof with means `engaging the upper ends of the baffles.

3. In a burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided with a series of discharge ports, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, radiant baffles resting on the burner head and arranged in an annular series and so that they extend upwardly and outwardly from said head, and means for supporting the baffles in a fixed position comprising upwardly and outwardly extending brackets, mounted on the burner head and provided at the upper ends thereof with fingers arranged to engage the upper side margins of the baflles.

4. In a gas burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided with a series of discharge ports, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, radiant bafiles positioned in an annular series and so that they extend upwardly and outwardly from the burner head and embodying notches in the upper ends of the side margins thereof, and means for supporting the baffles in a fixed position comprising upwardlyV and outwardly extending brackets mounted on the burner head and embodying ngers at their upper ends fitting within the notches.

5. In a gas burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided with a series of discharge ports in the marginal part thereof,.studs connected to and projecting upwardly from the central part of the head, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, radiant bailles resting on the head inwardly of the ports and extending upwardly and outwardly from said head, and means for supporting the baffles in a fixed position comprising brackets removably mounted on the studs and applied to the upper ends of the baffles.

6. In a gas burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided with a series of discharge ports in the marginal part thereof, an annular series of vertically extending studs on the central part of the head, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, radiant baies resting on the head inwardly of the ports and positioned in an annular series and so that they extend upwardly and outwardly from the head, and means for supporting the baiiles in a fixed position comprising upwardly and outwardly extending brackets provided at their lower ends thereof with connecting parts whereby they are slidably mounted on the studs and having the upper ends thereof applied to the `upper ends of the bailles.

7. In a gas burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided with a series of discharge ports in the marginal part thereof, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, studs connected to and projecting upwardly from the central part of the head, means for supplying a mixture of gas and `air to the head via the ports, radiant bafes resting on the burner head inwardly of the ports and extending upwardly and outwardly from the head, meansfor supporting the baflies in a xed position comprising brackets mounted slidably on the studs, and interlocking means for holding the brackets against rotation relatively to the studs.

`8. In a gas burner of the character described, the combination of a hollow burner head provided at the marginal part thereof with an annular series of discharge ports and an annular, upwardly extending bead. inwardly of the ports, studs connected to and projecting upwardly from the central part of the head, means for supplying a mixture of gas and air to the head for discharge via the ports, radiant baffles resting, upon the bead and extending upwardly and outwardly from the burner head, and means for supporting the bafes in a fixed position comprising brackets slidably mounted on the studs, said brackets having lugs tting within notches in the bead whereby they are held against rotation relatively to the studs.

GARNET W. MCKEE. 

